I don’t think there is a person in the world that doesn’t love French fries. Whether you prefer shoestring to standard, or crinkle to waffle, nothing matches the crispy crunch of freshly made fries. There are plenty of styles to go around, yet our deep-seeded love for fries still inspires inventive spins on them. Toro Fries, for example, is a Japan-based purveyor that specializes in super long French fries. 

If you’re like me, a perpetual fry snacker, then you’ll love Toro Fries’ crave-worthy take on this starchy staple. There, the fries measure a foot long and are drizzled with a slew of savory cheese sauces. Footlong hot dogs have been popular for decades, so I’m surprised that it has taken this long for someone to make foot long fries. Exponentially long fries also aren't a new concept to Japan and are traditionally called “Japanese long fries.” 

A restaurant chain named Harajuku Gyoza was pivotal in popularizing them locally and abroad — it introduced them to Australia in 2018. To make them, mashed imported-Idaho potatoes are squeezed through a press and deep fried. The experience is reminiscent of Play Doh’s grinding machine. Once fried and ready, they are topped with unique flavors like purple sweet potato cheese, wasabi cheese, corn cheese, and truffle cheese to name a few.

Beyond Japan, there are also locations in Dubai and Thailand. The company opened up a location in Los Angeles in 2020, but it didn’t fare as well and was subsequently closed shortly after. You’ll have to purchase a plane ticket to try these, or make them at home yourself.